'Anna Karenina,' 'Cloud Atlas,' 'Skyfall' among Art Directors Guild nominees
'The Master' takes another hit
"Cloud Atlas"
Are you a fan of In Contention?
Sign up to get the latest updates instantly.
The Art Directors Guild has announced nominees for excellence in production design for 2012. A wide cross-section of work was selected, though high-profile exclusions include "The Master" and "Moonrise Kingdom."
In the period category, Oscar frontrunners such as "Anna Karenina," "Les Miserables" and "Lincoln" were chalked up alongside "Argo" (which is likely to keep burning it up with industry awards) and "Django Unchained" (more support for Quentin Tarantino's film).
Meanwhile, in the fantasy field (which is likely to offer up one or a few Oscar nominees itself), PGA nominee "Life of Pi" made a showing, as did Ridley Scott's "Alien" prequel "Prometheus." Warner Bros. ought to be happy with the films rounding it out, as "Cloud Atlas," "The Dark Knight Rises" and "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" all come from their stable.
Finally, the contemporary field -- which rarely produces work that stands out enough with the Academy's design branch enough to find space in the nominations (unfortunately) -- saw "Skyfall" and "Zero Dark Thirty" pick up their second guild nominations of the day. "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (still an industry favorite that could surprise next Thursday), "Flight" and "The Impossible" filled out the set.
Related
-
Tech Support: Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer on a 'risky' world in 'Anna Karenina'
The production designer and set decorator are Oscar frontrunners
-
Tech Support: Janusz Kaminski and Rick Carter on establishing a time and place in 'Lincoln'
The cinematographer and production designer discuss their work on Steven Spie...
Related Videos
-
Les Misérables - Production Design Featurette
A look behind the scenes the production design on the set of Les Miserables
This is bummer news for "The Master," and production designer Jack Fisk remains a one-time nominee with the guild and, potentially, with the Academy. Of course, one can pay TOO much attention to guild announcements. Last year Steven Spielberg's "War Horse" seemed like it was all but dead as it missed industry nod after industry nod. Meanwhile, David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" managed to keep getting nominations. The former got the Best Picture nod over the latter.
And it's a shame to see "Moonrise Kingdom" miss, as it had some exemplary work to say the least. I'm not sure that missing here says a whole lot about its Best Picture chances, and frankly, Adam Stockhausen's work shouldn't be ruled out for Oscar recognition just yet, either.
As for this particular category, I'd say "Anna Karenina," "Les Miserables" and "Lincoln" are still the good bets. "Django Unchained" would make a handsome addition, and might just, while I might look to the fantasy field to fill out the slate. Perhaps "Cloud Atlas" or the supremely crafted "Prometheus."
And let's not forget, Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy managed nominations for three-straight years. So perhaps "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" has a better shot than most might think? And honestly, I wouldn't rule out "Argo" here. Sharon Seymour's detailed work could easily manage a bid.
Check out the full list below. The 17th annual Art Directors Guild Awards will be held on February 2.
As always, keep track of the 2012-2013 film awards season via The Circuit.
Period Film:
"Anna Karenina"
"Argo"
"Django Unchained"
"Les Misérables"
"Lincoln"
Fantasy Film:
"Cloud Atlas"
"The Dark Knight Rises"
"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"
"Life of Pi"
"Prometheus"
Contemporary Film:
"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"
"Flight"
"The Impossible"
"Skyfall"
"Zero Dark Thirty"
Related Events
-
movies -
movies
2012-2013 OSCAR PREDICTIONS
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup And Hairstyling
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Production Design
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Language Film
Latest Posts
-
How has the franchise fared at the Academy Awards over the decades?Saturday, May 18, 2013
-
Competition's first outright dud is a major letdown from Arnaud DesplechinSaturday, May 18, 2013
-
Un Certain Regard entry sets pulses racing with surfeit of steamy gay actionFriday, May 17, 2013
-
Matthias Schoenaerts will also star in the Fox Searchlight co-productionFriday, May 17, 2013
Comments
Option 1
Comment instantly as a guest GuestOption 2
Option 3
Login or create a HitFix account Login Signupforg
January 3, 2013 at 1:15AM EST Reply to Commentgreat for cloud atlas
Jordan
January 3, 2013 at 1:16AM EST Reply to CommentStill think Argo doesn't belong in that list. I'd also take out Les Mis to make room for The Master and Moonrise Kingdom. My hunch is that 4 out of the 5 period nods will be on the Oscar list, with Argo being replaced by Moonrise.
Kristopher Tapley Argo absolutely belongs on that list.
January 3, 2013 at 1:19AM ESTMatthew Starr I can't say if Argo belongs or not but both The Master and Moonrise Kingdom had better production design.
January 3, 2013 at 1:22AM ESTKristopher Tapley Moonrise is contemporary and I wouldn't be so quick to agree on The Master. I think Argo's production design is unfortunately underrated.
January 3, 2013 at 1:23AM ESTJLPatt Why is "Moonrise" contemporary?
January 3, 2013 at 1:25AM ESTJordan Argo takes place after Moonrise, correct? And I think Argo is fine work, but definitely not as good as Moonrise or The Master. Jack Fisk rules.
January 3, 2013 at 1:28AM ESTKristopher Tapley Actually, busted, I totally forget it's a period film. Then yeah, I'd mark that above Argo.
January 3, 2013 at 1:32AM ESTDylanS I know their are examples of period films in the past that aren't "overtly" period being submitted as contemporary. Was "Moonrise" submitted as contemporary or period?
January 3, 2013 at 1:39AM ESTKristopher Tapley I'm not sure. And I'm not sure if it's an issue of submission to or designation by the guild. Probably the latter.
January 3, 2013 at 1:42AM ESTRichardZ Argo's production design is absolutely noteworthy as its goal was to recreate not only the period sets but the way the period sets were presented in "then" 70s contemporary films. It's an academic exercise, I think.
January 3, 2013 at 8:50AM ESTMooonrise was robbed--probably submitted as a period piece. It could have been a fantasy piece also. The guild ITSELF must be looking at the list and wonder: HOW DID MOONRISE FALL THROUGH THE CRACKS?!
JJ1 I thought Argo's prod design was noteworthy but it would not make my 5
January 3, 2013 at 9:32AM ESTGuy Lodge Fanciful as it is, I'm not sure how Moonrise Kingdom could qualify as a fantasy.
January 4, 2013 at 6:25AM ESTJLPatt
January 3, 2013 at 1:19AM EST Reply to CommentVery strong lineups minding those two big omissions.
So happy to "The Impossible" on here. The work there is extraordinary.
Matthew Starr
January 3, 2013 at 1:20AM EST Reply to CommentMan Skyfall is rolling between this, PGA and Bardem at SAG. Perhaps the old school theme of that movie really tapped into voters.
JJ1 Well, Bond film or not, I just think its a great film. And the fact that its showing some impact in what I believe to be a pretty stellar year shows its strength even more.
January 3, 2013 at 9:33AM ESTJJ1 It's also kind of a perfect storm. The reviews were fantastic. It looks that much better next to Quantum of Solace. The director and craft team are well-known and respected. And the movie just crossed the billion dollar mark with the box office. Aside from a few people, most I know who've seen it thought it was awesome.
January 3, 2013 at 9:37AM ESTMr.F
January 3, 2013 at 1:22AM EST Reply to CommentI was hoping Mirror Mirror would show up here in the fantasy category. It most certainly deserved it more than Life of Pi. The art direction is great and all, particularly the island, but I wouldn't consider it a fantasy. Then again, the story probably didn't make the art directors believe in god.
And really, how is the art direction of TDKR in any way fantasy related besides the gadgets in the cave and that one hole?
Mykill I was hoping for Mirror Mirror to show up here as well! The Costume Designers had better not let us down b/c Eiko Ishioka's final designs are unmatched this year.
January 3, 2013 at 8:15AM ESTJJ1 The prod design for such movies as Life of Pi, TDKR, and Skyfall are actually supremely impressive when you actually focus on it. It's not as obvious as something like Mirror Mirror (which indeed had fun design). But they're still all great.
January 3, 2013 at 9:39AM ESTMr.F I'm not putting down the quality of TDKR, but rather its placement in the fantasy category. Really, how is it more of a fantasy than Skyfall? If James Bond would put on a mask, would they consider it a fantasy?
January 3, 2013 at 1:41PM ESTDooby
January 3, 2013 at 1:23AM EST Reply to CommentI hate how these automatically go to the most buzzed oscar titles. My favourite production design I've seen so far this year (got alot to catch up with) is 'Take This Waltz'.
Jordan Terrific choice. Everything about that film is so under appreciated.
January 3, 2013 at 1:29AM ESTKristopher Tapley Hipster kitchen kills me.
January 3, 2013 at 1:32AM ESTRichardZ Hipster kitchen---HILARIOUS. I still wonder if the "chicken" aspect is a cruel joke from Polley.
January 3, 2013 at 8:40AM ESTLiz I rather strongly disliked "Take This Waltz," but in a just world, it would absolutely be in the running for production design and cinematography.
January 3, 2013 at 9:57AM ESTHatter
January 3, 2013 at 2:59AM EST Reply to CommentI have to say the sets from "Skyfall" still leave a great impression on me: Shanghai skyscraper interior, dragon floats, komodo dragon casino, Silva's island lair, MI6 underground HQ and Skyfall estate.
JJ1 Exactly
January 3, 2013 at 9:41AM ESTAshwin pinto
January 3, 2013 at 3:37AM EST Reply to CommentIs 'The Master' finished in terms of getting a Best Picture Oscar nomination or can it be like 'The tree Of Life'?
JJ1 It's funny. I remember thinking that The Master looked great. But I attributed most of that to the cinematography. And obviously, the performances of Phoenix, PSH, and Adams stick out. But I don't remember great prod or costume design. Can someone pinpoint some examples? Thanks :)
January 3, 2013 at 9:42AM ESTLiz The department store is a genius bit of design. Possibly the single best set I saw in any movie this year.
January 3, 2013 at 9:58AM ESTGuy Lodge Seconded on the department store. But also the boat, Dodd's London office, that perfectly grotty attic room -- everything in it, really. It's the best-designed film of the year, for my money.
January 4, 2013 at 6:31AM ESTctubuchanan
January 3, 2013 at 5:01AM EST Reply to CommentCloud Atlas!!! Yai!!! Though, i'm not sure it could be confined to one of the categories... I guess fantasy is fine.
JJ1 Cloud Atlas really deserves an Oscar nom for creating such distinct and detailed design in each vignette. Whether or not it gets an Oscar nom is to be seen. But it would be way up there on my ballot if I had one.
January 3, 2013 at 9:43AM ESTred_wine
January 3, 2013 at 6:35AM EST Reply to CommentIn contemporary, Amour should have been nominated. The apartment in that film does a lot to specifically locate the drama amidst a cultured and rarefied environment. The book lined walls, the piano, the creaking floor of the spacious apartment, all become a character in the film.
JJ1 Very true. God, I love movies. Sorry for the tangent. I'm sure this time of year can be alternately wonderful yet headache inducing for many bloggers/voters/journalists/writers, but I love the recognition of movies at this time of year. So sue me :)
January 3, 2013 at 9:45AM ESTKristopher Tapley I actually agree with this. Very lush film, really.
January 3, 2013 at 2:14PM ESTRichardZ If you liked the bookselves here, you might like the other Haneke film with grand book lined walls: Cache. Loved, loved that house in Cache.
January 3, 2013 at 3:01PM ESTDylanS I agree that it's smart production design, but the way Haneke shoots the whole fill is so dull and visually uninteresting that it makes it harder to recognize the quality of the work.
January 4, 2013 at 9:30PM ESTMatt
January 3, 2013 at 11:20AM EST Reply to CommentFlight? Really?
Kristopher Tapley Building that plane rig wasn't child's play.
January 3, 2013 at 2:14PM ESTJJ1 Lol
January 3, 2013 at 2:28PM ESTGraysmith
January 3, 2013 at 5:03PM EST Reply to CommentHow is The Hobbit not a solid lock for this category? Sure, it wasn't up to par with LOTR on account of Jackson's unwillingness to use scissors, but it's a gorgeous movie through and through. Yeah, it could miss (especially in such a exceptional year for the category), but I don't know if I could predict against it.
Personally, I'l all in for Anna Karenina, Lincoln, The Hobbit and Les Miserables with the last spot being a complete toss-up between Argo, Life of Pi, Cloud Atlas, Django Unchained, and even Prometheus and The Master.
DylanS
January 4, 2013 at 9:36PM EST Reply to CommentJust looking at this list, both the things that are on and aren't on it, what a stellar year for production design. I could have made a list of 20 that would have still been top of the line. My top 5 this year were Anna Karenina, Frankenweenie, The Hobbit, Les Miserables and Moonrise Kingdom. Like I said, many more great ones as well.
Also, thinking on Frankenweenie, how do Production Designers feel about Stop-Motion. I would think the emphasis on the artistic look of everything would appeal to them, and it does involve set design, but yet they don't get recognition. Does anybody know if there's some sort of prejudice against stop-motion design work within the branch?